rail

FEC Rolls Out Commemorative Locomotive for Nation's 250th Anniversary

Florida East Coast Railway launched a specially painted GE ES44C4 locomotive to mark the United States' 250th anniversary. The unit, designated FEC 250, underwent overhaul and repainting at the carrier's New Smyrna Beach facility before entering service on the railroad's Florida network ahead of Fourth of July celebrations. FEC CEO Bernardo Ayala said in a June 25 announcement that the milestone recognizes the rail industry's foundational role in building the nation. The Class II carrier, a subsidiary of Grupo México Transportes, operates 351 miles of main line track from Jacksonville, Florida and serves as the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach. The commemorative unit joins similar efforts across the transportation sector, with major carriers including Amtrak, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific introducing their own anniversary-themed liveries.